My engine replacement
Thread Starter
Joined: 09-08-2012
Posts: 7
From: Ellensburg
My engine replacement
I want to share what I experience with the toasting of my engine and the process of replacement for the purpose of helping you make the decision of whether or not to spend the money on overhauling or walking away.
While on a business trip with my wife in April, during a hot week, my electric fan failed. The temperature of my engine climbed over 270+
degrees and boiled over. I did major damage to the engine, cracked the head and split the manifold. Coolant drained into oil and I had a certified batch of goop.
I got right on researching. Figured that I would replace the head and manifold myself. I am NOT a mechanic, but I do have the internet and youtube. I began with the teardown job to familiarize myself with the interworking of the 2.2L ECOTECH engine. The manifold was a walk in the park. The head, a bit more intimidating. Once I took the time to tear it all apart, about 4 hours for a novice, I began shopping for parts (needed to first verify it was the head before dropping $)
I soon found that the head, gasket set and manifold were going to run me nearly $700 (WA sales tax 8%) for all new parts. Once again, I am not a mechanic and while I had the confidence to tear it apart, putting it back together and expecting it to run is a sizable feat. This feat translated into a $700 gamble. Could I do it. I decided not. I began more research. I contacted several auto repair shops and inquired about the book time for an engine swap on my 2006 Chevy HHR. It is 12 hours book time to drop one and mount in the other. But, there was very little for them to drop out. All that remained was the block on the transmission. I found a shop that agreed to 8 hours time for installation (actually only took them 6) of a new engine.
I spent another 4 hours calling local wrecking yards looking for the 2.2 L ECOTECH engine found in Malibus, HHRs, Cobalts and a couple different Saturns. To my surprise, this is a very common engine to find in wrecking yards. I found one a couple miles away with a good exhaust manifold. Borrowed a truck and paid the wrecking yard $540 for a engine from a Malibu that had 42,000 miles on it when it was broadsided at an intersection. The cylinders all showed good compression and the guaranteed their engines and transmissions for 90 days (RARE!).
Dropped off the engine, the HHR and a week later I was back up and driving around with a healthy running engine. I had them install a new thermostat, spark plugs and water pump before installing the engine. So, total expense was $1740.54.
I might not have done this on a car with 200k on it, but I had just replaced all the suspension throughout the car, replaced all brakes, installed new wheels and tires.
Still trying to figure out the fan issues, but I keep a VERY close eye on my temperature read out at all times (If you have recommendations, see my other thread).
Engine $540.
Waterpump $35.41
Spark Plugs $30.14
Carfax $54.99 (Verify info on VINs from cars I was looking at engines from)
Labor and MISC parts $1080
Total cost $1740.54
(Minus time spent researching and teardown)
*All towing and transporting was done by myself*
While on a business trip with my wife in April, during a hot week, my electric fan failed. The temperature of my engine climbed over 270+
degrees and boiled over. I did major damage to the engine, cracked the head and split the manifold. Coolant drained into oil and I had a certified batch of goop.I got right on researching. Figured that I would replace the head and manifold myself. I am NOT a mechanic, but I do have the internet and youtube. I began with the teardown job to familiarize myself with the interworking of the 2.2L ECOTECH engine. The manifold was a walk in the park. The head, a bit more intimidating. Once I took the time to tear it all apart, about 4 hours for a novice, I began shopping for parts (needed to first verify it was the head before dropping $)
I soon found that the head, gasket set and manifold were going to run me nearly $700 (WA sales tax 8%) for all new parts. Once again, I am not a mechanic and while I had the confidence to tear it apart, putting it back together and expecting it to run is a sizable feat. This feat translated into a $700 gamble. Could I do it. I decided not. I began more research. I contacted several auto repair shops and inquired about the book time for an engine swap on my 2006 Chevy HHR. It is 12 hours book time to drop one and mount in the other. But, there was very little for them to drop out. All that remained was the block on the transmission. I found a shop that agreed to 8 hours time for installation (actually only took them 6) of a new engine.
I spent another 4 hours calling local wrecking yards looking for the 2.2 L ECOTECH engine found in Malibus, HHRs, Cobalts and a couple different Saturns. To my surprise, this is a very common engine to find in wrecking yards. I found one a couple miles away with a good exhaust manifold. Borrowed a truck and paid the wrecking yard $540 for a engine from a Malibu that had 42,000 miles on it when it was broadsided at an intersection. The cylinders all showed good compression and the guaranteed their engines and transmissions for 90 days (RARE!).
Dropped off the engine, the HHR and a week later I was back up and driving around with a healthy running engine. I had them install a new thermostat, spark plugs and water pump before installing the engine. So, total expense was $1740.54.
I might not have done this on a car with 200k on it, but I had just replaced all the suspension throughout the car, replaced all brakes, installed new wheels and tires.
Still trying to figure out the fan issues, but I keep a VERY close eye on my temperature read out at all times (If you have recommendations, see my other thread).
Engine $540.
Waterpump $35.41
Spark Plugs $30.14
Carfax $54.99 (Verify info on VINs from cars I was looking at engines from)
Labor and MISC parts $1080
Total cost $1740.54
(Minus time spent researching and teardown)*All towing and transporting was done by myself*
New Member
Joined: 09-19-2010
Posts: 21
From: Severn, Maryland
Cool 
Glad things worked out so well. Back in the 70's I wouldn't hesitate to replace a motor. Today, I wouldn't attempt it, mainly due to all the sensors and computer systems.
Was it necessary to reprogram any of the ECUs or other computers?
Glad things worked out so well. Back in the 70's I wouldn't hesitate to replace a motor. Today, I wouldn't attempt it, mainly due to all the sensors and computer systems.Was it necessary to reprogram any of the ECUs or other computers?
Senior Member
Joined: 06-11-2012
Posts: 265
From: Oak Ridge, TN
Glad it all worked out for you. I've been generally searching around looking for a good low miles back up motor I can play with. Found a few, one with 78K and the other was 66K both were $350 with me pulling it myself. With mine currently having 60K on it I'm no where near needing one but to have one ready to go is always a plus. It'll make a tragic dead motor a breeze to swap in a weekend.
Thread Starter
Joined: 09-08-2012
Posts: 7
From: Ellensburg
Joined: 09-11-2017
Posts: 2
From: colorado
did you removed the engine from the top or thru the bottom. I want to replace my 2011
I want to share what I experience with the toasting of my engine and the process of replacement for the purpose of helping you make the decision of whether or not to spend the money on overhauling or walking away.
While on a business trip with my wife in April, during a hot week, my electric fan failed. The temperature of my engine climbed over 270+ degrees and boiled over. I did major damage to the engine, cracked the head and split the manifold. Coolant drained into oil and I had a certified batch of goop.
I got right on researching. Figured that I would replace the head and manifold myself. I am NOT a mechanic, but I do have the internet and youtube. I began with the teardown job to familiarize myself with the interworking of the 2.2L ECOTECH engine. The manifold was a walk in the park. The head, a bit more intimidating. Once I took the time to tear it all apart, about 4 hours for a novice, I began shopping for parts (needed to first verify it was the head before dropping $)
I soon found that the head, gasket set and manifold were going to run me nearly $700 (WA sales tax 8%) for all new parts. Once again, I am not a mechanic and while I had the confidence to tear it apart, putting it back together and expecting it to run is a sizable feat. This feat translated into a $700 gamble. Could I do it. I decided not. I began more research. I contacted several auto repair shops and inquired about the book time for an engine swap on my 2006 Chevy HHR. It is 12 hours book time to drop one and mount in the other. But, there was very little for them to drop out. All that remained was the block on the transmission. I found a shop that agreed to 8 hours time for installation (actually only took them 6) of a new engine.
I spent another 4 hours calling local wrecking yards looking for the 2.2 L ECOTECH engine found in Malibus, HHRs, Cobalts and a couple different Saturns. To my surprise, this is a very common engine to find in wrecking yards. I found one a couple miles away with a good exhaust manifold. Borrowed a truck and paid the wrecking yard $540 for a engine from a Malibu that had 42,000 miles on it when it was broadsided at an intersection. The cylinders all showed good compression and the guaranteed their engines and transmissions for 90 days (RARE!).
Dropped off the engine, the HHR and a week later I was back up and driving around with a healthy running engine. I had them install a new thermostat, spark plugs and water pump before installing the engine. So, total expense was $1740.54.
I might not have done this on a car with 200k on it, but I had just replaced all the suspension throughout the car, replaced all brakes, installed new wheels and tires.
Still trying to figure out the fan issues, but I keep a VERY close eye on my temperature read out at all times (If you have recommendations, see my other thread).
Engine $540.
Waterpump $35.41
Spark Plugs $30.14
Carfax $54.99 (Verify info on VINs from cars I was looking at engines from)
Labor and MISC parts $1080
Total cost $1740.54 (Minus time spent researching and teardown)
*All towing and transporting was done by myself*
While on a business trip with my wife in April, during a hot week, my electric fan failed. The temperature of my engine climbed over 270+
degrees and boiled over. I did major damage to the engine, cracked the head and split the manifold. Coolant drained into oil and I had a certified batch of goop.I got right on researching. Figured that I would replace the head and manifold myself. I am NOT a mechanic, but I do have the internet and youtube. I began with the teardown job to familiarize myself with the interworking of the 2.2L ECOTECH engine. The manifold was a walk in the park. The head, a bit more intimidating. Once I took the time to tear it all apart, about 4 hours for a novice, I began shopping for parts (needed to first verify it was the head before dropping $)
I soon found that the head, gasket set and manifold were going to run me nearly $700 (WA sales tax 8%) for all new parts. Once again, I am not a mechanic and while I had the confidence to tear it apart, putting it back together and expecting it to run is a sizable feat. This feat translated into a $700 gamble. Could I do it. I decided not. I began more research. I contacted several auto repair shops and inquired about the book time for an engine swap on my 2006 Chevy HHR. It is 12 hours book time to drop one and mount in the other. But, there was very little for them to drop out. All that remained was the block on the transmission. I found a shop that agreed to 8 hours time for installation (actually only took them 6) of a new engine.
I spent another 4 hours calling local wrecking yards looking for the 2.2 L ECOTECH engine found in Malibus, HHRs, Cobalts and a couple different Saturns. To my surprise, this is a very common engine to find in wrecking yards. I found one a couple miles away with a good exhaust manifold. Borrowed a truck and paid the wrecking yard $540 for a engine from a Malibu that had 42,000 miles on it when it was broadsided at an intersection. The cylinders all showed good compression and the guaranteed their engines and transmissions for 90 days (RARE!).
Dropped off the engine, the HHR and a week later I was back up and driving around with a healthy running engine. I had them install a new thermostat, spark plugs and water pump before installing the engine. So, total expense was $1740.54.
I might not have done this on a car with 200k on it, but I had just replaced all the suspension throughout the car, replaced all brakes, installed new wheels and tires.
Still trying to figure out the fan issues, but I keep a VERY close eye on my temperature read out at all times (If you have recommendations, see my other thread).
Engine $540.
Waterpump $35.41
Spark Plugs $30.14
Carfax $54.99 (Verify info on VINs from cars I was looking at engines from)
Labor and MISC parts $1080
Total cost $1740.54
(Minus time spent researching and teardown)*All towing and transporting was done by myself*
to the forums!!
Banned
Joined: 02-08-2011
Posts: 610
From: cali
the esiest is from the bottom drop the crattle, motor, trans, all as one leave the struts hubs brakes all in place so u don't have to mess with alignment , leave the harness on the motor and trans . its just a few plugs and it all comes out as one , shift cable and a/c line if u can recharge the air , i do them a lot motor swaps or trans i,m doing 2 trans swaps now , just did a 011 motor 2.2 ,,, also keep in mind all trans 2.2 or 2.4 swap back and forth , iv done them all put a 06 2.2 trans in a 010 2.4 and they work and shift great the hhr dosent care so don't get ripped off ,,,, yes motors are diff and don't swap so easy unless u can reflash some soft ware ,happy swapping dave
Senior Member
Joined: 02-01-2006
Posts: 1,470
From: lockport,ny
I pulled my engine earlier this year.
Definitely out the bottom is easier. I dropped the cradle (engine, trans, front A-arms, steering rack) onto a pallet jack with some wood shims. Using a couple of $50 farm jacks (Harbor Freight) and a 4x6 I raised the front body (pivoting on rear wheels) up about 3 feet or so to clear the cradle, then rolled the whole cradle assembly out from under the body. I used a HF engine hoist to lift the engine off the cradle.
The biggest hassle was disconnecting the wiring harness. Take lots of pictures because the harness sections thread all over the place, under this and over that, etc.
I unscrewed the AC compressor from the engine and tied it out of the way to prevent having to recharge the AC. Also bungeed the fuse box out of the way to access the harness easier.
Here is a hint: The exhaust manifold to flex joint screws will probably not come off. It's too tight to get in there to cut them. I unbolted the exhaust manifold from the engine (easy) and left the manifold on the car. Be sure to tie it off to keep from breaking the flex joint. Then after the engine was out I stood in the empty engine compartment and cut off the flex pipe bolts and removed the manifold.
I would rate the job as definitely something most people could do. There's nothing particularly hard, just a lot of small things. Again, take lots of pictures as you disconnect things as you will not remember everything.
Steve
Definitely out the bottom is easier. I dropped the cradle (engine, trans, front A-arms, steering rack) onto a pallet jack with some wood shims. Using a couple of $50 farm jacks (Harbor Freight) and a 4x6 I raised the front body (pivoting on rear wheels) up about 3 feet or so to clear the cradle, then rolled the whole cradle assembly out from under the body. I used a HF engine hoist to lift the engine off the cradle.
The biggest hassle was disconnecting the wiring harness. Take lots of pictures because the harness sections thread all over the place, under this and over that, etc.
I unscrewed the AC compressor from the engine and tied it out of the way to prevent having to recharge the AC. Also bungeed the fuse box out of the way to access the harness easier.
Here is a hint: The exhaust manifold to flex joint screws will probably not come off. It's too tight to get in there to cut them. I unbolted the exhaust manifold from the engine (easy) and left the manifold on the car. Be sure to tie it off to keep from breaking the flex joint. Then after the engine was out I stood in the empty engine compartment and cut off the flex pipe bolts and removed the manifold.
I would rate the job as definitely something most people could do. There's nothing particularly hard, just a lot of small things. Again, take lots of pictures as you disconnect things as you will not remember everything.
Steve
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